Senna

SENOKOT

Pronunciation: SEN-a

Senna ballicule: receptor binding, kinetics and half-life diagram — Mechanism of action: Senna ballicule

What it isPlant-derived anthraquinone laxative activated by colonic bacteria; constipation.

Why this oneUnlike docusate, it reliably promotes bowel movements and is routinely paired with opioids from the start.

What limits itCramping is common. Melanosis coli with chronic use is benign and reversible; evidence does not support the old cathartic-colon fear.

Senna molecular structure (skeletal formula) — Molecular structure: Senna

FDA-approved for

constipation (~1950)

FDA label

Read the full label on DailyMed ↗

FDA dosing	Population	Start	Target	Max
Constipation	Adults & children ≥12 yr	2 tablets QD-BID		2 tablets BID
Constipation	Children 6-<12 yr	1 tablet QD-BID		1 tablet BID

Renal Undefined

Hepatic Undefined

Instructions

Swallow tablet(s) whole with a glass of water; do not crush, break, or chew
Children under 6 yr: ask a doctor

Available strengths

tab 8.6, 15, 17.2, 25 mg
cap 8.6, 17.2 mg
chew tab 15 mg
sol 25, 26.4 mg/15 mL
sol 8.8 mg/5 mL
pill 25 mg

Pregnancy Undefined

Lactation Undefined

Cost

Senna (SENOKOT)

What pharmacies pay · NADAC 9/30/26 · OTC

Strength		#/mo	generic $/mo	brand $/mo	CostPlus
8.6 mg	tab	30 qd	$0.77	—	not offered
15 mg	tab	30 qd	$2.60	—	not offered
17.2 mg	tab	30 qd	—	$12.49	not offered
25 mg	tab	30 qd	$3.49	—	not offered

Available combined with: senna / docusate

NO BOXED WARNINGS

Principal riskCramping; melanosis coli with chronic use

Classes and tags

Clinical profile

Therapeutic safety burden1 / 4

Overdose danger1 / 4

Weight-gain liability0 / 4

Sedation liability0 / 4

QT / Torsades0 / 4

Direct muscarinic antagonism0 / 4

Embryofetal risk1 / 4

Defining liabilityCramping, diarrhea and misuse-related fluid/electrolyte losses

Open Senna in the interactive console ↗